Mohammad Shami didn't play a single game in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 © Getty Images
Mohammad Shami didn’t play a single game in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 © Getty Images

Everything fell apart for Team India in the summit clash versus Pakistan of ICC Champions Trophy 2017. They faltered in pursuit of 339 and posted a paltry 158 all-out in 30.3 overs. As a result of the humongous 180-run defeat, fans from both sides flooded social media platforms by taking a dig at Team India. The finale was being regarded as a face-off between ‘Baap’ (Indian cricket team) and ‘Beta’ (Pakistan) owing to the staggering record the former holds in ICC World Cups, including both formats. Nonetheless, the margin of victory propelled a Pakistani fan in taking a jibe at Indian team members on their way to the dressing room from the presentation ceremony.

The victim of this indirect dig was Mohammed Shami. In this video, a Pakistani supporter is heard saying “Baap Kaun hai, Baap Kaun hai?” at the eventual runners-up. Shami, hearing the outrage, came advancing towards the fan, only to be calmed down by former skipper MS Dhoni who handled the situation with calmness and advised the pacer to ignore the fan. Shami, who did not play a single game in the tournament, was irked with the unnecessary provocation. The fan, on his part, defended himself by stating that he did not abuse him but only took a dig at Shami. He also added that Indians should accept such things like they have done in the past.

Author’s take:

Both Indian and Pakistani fans have been quite vocal about their teams whenever both sides locked horns in mega events. Owing to India’s unbeaten record against their arch-rivals in World Cups (11-0), fans always taunted Pakistani supporters. This time, the same remarks came to haunt the Indians after a humiliating defeat at the hands of arch-rivals, at The Oval, London, on Sunday.

Nonetheless, players should not be involved as they have always maintained spirit of the game and stayed away from such unwanted comments. On the other hand, fans should also refrain from taking indirect jibes at one another and on players. Win and loss are part and parcel of the game.